Boston Dynamics "Big Dog"

Saw this video on AICN of the Boston Dynamics ambulatory robot, the "Big Dog" and wanted to post it here. These are walking tests for this particular robot and frankly, they freak my shit out a bit. Seeing something "non-human" acting in "human" ways dips dangerously towards the "Uncanny Valley" theory for me.

The footage of the robot correcting itself when kicked or when it slips on ice is creepy as hell. It's a big, clunky thing. It should fall over. And it doesn't. It corrects it's step and keeps on going. That creeps me out.

Check it out...



EDITED LATER TO ADD:

I didn't know so many other people would be equally horrified by the "Big Dog". (When it wobbles to get it's footing, it reminds me of the tri-clopsian walkers from "War of the Worlds".) People, like me, who are fascinated, but also disturbed by things walking around that probably should not be...will be fascinated by this clip too.

I give you, Theo Jansen, Kinetic Sculptor.



More information on Jansen. From his "TED" talk...